LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 13, 2013) — In a commitment to keep the University of Kentucky community informed and engaged in the process of transitioning to a new financial model, UK Provost Christine Riordan and Executive Vice President for Financial Affairs Eric Monday issued the latest newsletter with updates on the financial model.

The e-newsletter was distributed Thursday, Dec. 12. Following is the full message:

Dear Colleagues,

Over the next several weeks, we want to detail how different, major buckets of resources that flow into the university each year will be addressed with the new financial model. This week, we consider state appropriations — those dollars we receive from the General Assembly to fund our missions of education, research and service.

Currently, we receive approximately $284 million annually in state appropriations. That appropriation is the result of the budget that the Governor proposes every two years, which is usually modified and ultimately adopted by the state legislature.

The state does not have a formula for dividing those dollars among UK’s colleges, units and programs — except in cases where the state identifies a specific appropriation for a program like extension services, which operates in all 120 Kentucky counties. Those initiatives are often called mandated programs, and there are nearly 20 such initiatives at UK.

Under the new financial model, mandated or directly funded programs will continue to operate as they do now. Moreover, as state funding increases or decreases, the colleges or units where those mandated programs are housed will have the responsibility to consult with the Provost and the EVPFA to make decisions about how -- and whether -- to supplement or modify funding for those efforts.

That leaves about $200 million annually. Under the existing incremental budget model, central administration largely makes the decisions regarding how state funds are allocated.

Under the new, values-based financial model, a transparent formula will be used to allocate the dollars, focusing on our success in achieving our most critical missions. Our goal is to unleash the creativity and intellectual power found in our colleges and units -- focused intently on our promise of nearly 150 years to provide education, conduct research and render service that changes Kentucky and our world.

We are continuing to talk with deans and other academic leaders to discuss the formula for allocation of state dollars and where, if necessary, adjustments should be made in the interest of fairness, collaboration and transparency.

What's most important, perhaps, is that the new financial model will provide everyone with a transparent look at how the dollars flow throughout the university from this important source of funding. As always, if you have questions about this topic or others related to the model, please don't hesitate to contact us at financialmodel@uky.edu.